Similkameen Valley | bc winery route

# of wineries: 15+

Don't miss: Orofino, Corcelettes

Common varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling

Wine region: Similkameen Valley

40 minutes west of Oliver is an entirely different BC wine region: the Similkameen Valley!

The Similkameen, runs through a narrow and rocky valley flagged by steep mountains on either side. A winding highway (the #3 if you are familiar) also cuts right through which conveniently connects the Fraser Valley where I live, to the South Okanagan. This makes the Similkameen a perfect midday stop when travelling to the South Okanagan from BC's Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. 

While it's convenient to just pop into a winery or two on your way by, I HIGHLY recommend that you choose to spend a whole weekend exploring the Similkameen Valley because it has so much to offer! From incredible wineries to amazing restaurants offering locally grown food, the Similkameen is perfect for a weekend adventure supporting small family-run businesses. 

Bonus: there is a LOT of other types of farming happening in the area so you can find all sorts of fruits and veggies at roadside stands when they are in season! Peaches, plums, apples, berries, cherries, potatoes, corn, you name it! 

Surrounded by steep mountains on either side, the Similkameen runs through a very narrow and rocky valley. Similar to the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen also sees high temperatures during the day and cooler overnight temperatures. However, the steep mountains help to trap the heat in the Valley so it stays a bit warmer after sunset. The soil is also loaded with calcium carbonate which gives wine grown in the area a lovely minerality.

A key feature of the Similkameen is a strong wind that rips through the valley every day. You can hear it rumbling down the valley as it approaches—we nearly lost our wine glasses on multiple occasions! This wind plays an important role by keeping the vines dry and free from pests. This is a major reason why organic farming does so well in this valley. Fun fact: it's the organic farming capital of Canada!

Thanks to the towering mountains, some vineyards are covered in shade early in the day. These spots are perfect for growing early ripening grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

The vineyards that don't get shade coverage experience long days of basking in the hot sun which helps big reds like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive! 

The Similkameen Valley is one of BC's nine Geographical Indications (GI) meaning that it is a recognized wine region. If wine is grown and made in the Similkameen, you can see Similkameen Valley listed on a wine label.

P.S. if you don't know the bold italicized words, there are definitions at the bottom of the page to make it easier!

This is an area that I definitely need to explore more. I can't wait to spend more time here!

MY FAVES:

Orofino Vineyards - enjoy their outstanding wines while soaking in the sunshine and views from their courtyard which transports you straight to Europe. If you want to stay in a dreamy vineyard accommodation, this is the place to be! They have two beautiful guest suites and a guest house to choose from. 

Corcelettes Estate Winery - specializing in Bordeaux style reds like Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc, they only use grapes that are grown in the Similkameen. When you drink Corcelettes wines you are truly getting a taste of their particular terroir. Only 4 min from Orofino.

Clos du Soleil - phenomenal. From the wines to the customer service, this is a must visit. The tasting room is small and cute but the real views are the staggering mountains surrounding the vineyards. Stunning. Only 1 min from Corcelettes.

Vanessa Vineyards - right along the main highway through the Similkameen Valley sits Vanessa. The sun soaked vineyard is a stark contrast to their dark and moody tasting room. They are known for their big reds which are always SO good. Only 11 min from Clos du Soleil.

If you have time:

Crowsnest Vineyards - their wines are approachable and delicious and I love that they offer live music nights in their vineyard and amazing food from their onsite restaurant. Oh, and did I mention that they also have a bakery producing some incredible sourdough breads? Only 1 min from Orofino.

Hugging Tree Winery - this quaint little family-run winery makes incredibly small production wines. While they technically aren't certified organic, their grapes are farmed with organic practices. Only 1 min from Corcelettes.

3Benches Estate Winery - a tiny little family-run winery offering a small line up of tasty wines. The family has been growing grapes for a while but just opened their doors with their first vintage of their own wines in the summer of 2023. I can see this place only getting better and better! Only 1 min from Clos du Soleil.

Little Farm Winery - if you are looking to support small, this is the spot! The quaint and cozy tasting room tucked into the vines is the same spot that the wine is made, and stored. With a focus on Riesling and Chardonnay, you can taste the difference that a vineyard makes. Only 2 min from Orofino.

Bottega Wine Studio - like rosé? This is the winery for you! While they produce a few different labels of wine their rosé label Seven Directions is top notch. Only 2 min from Orofino.

Eau Vivre Winery - another smaller family-run winery where quite literally, the winemaker does everything! While all of the wines weren't my fave on this particular visit, the winemaker's infectious passion made it such a great experience and I will absolutely be back to keep trying their wines. They also have a tasting room in District Wine Village. Only 2 min from Orofino.

Robin Ridge Winery - this small winery run by a husband and wife team is certified organic. They make some surprising wines and there will be something there that you will enjoy! Only 3 min from Clos du Soleil.

There are a few more wineries in the Similkameen Valley that I haven't had the chance to visit. But if you have never been, this is a good starting point!

You won't find any chain hotels here. But what you will find are unique stays that support small family-run business. What's not to love?! From cute Airbnb's to winery stays, there are plenty of perfect places to stay in the Similkameen Valley. With most wineries being centred around the little towns of Cawston and Keremeos, look for a place to stay near there.

Orofino Vineyards - offering two private guest suites overlooking their estate vineyards and the rugged Similkameen Valley mountains, Orofino is the perfect place to stay in the Similkameen. These light and bright suites each have their own private deck looking out at the vineyard which is perfect for morning coffee or happy hour. Bonus: you can also rent their onsite Guest House which sleeps 6. Rent all of the spaces for the ultimate spot for a girls weekend!

Sunshot Vineyard Guest House - offered by Corcelettes Winery, this cozy western farmhouse style guest house overlooks Sunshot Vineyard with an expansive view of the Similkameen Valley. The large wrap around deck is calling your name! 

The Organic Acres Cabin - Nestled in an organic apple orchard, this is the ultimate stay in the Similkameen only a short walk or drive to many awesome wineries. Spend as much time as you want on the adorable property soaking in the orchard views, or visit the nearby wineries and restaurants. The hosts are so kind, provide a lot of useful information prior to your stay, and even offer options like candle making classes to enhance your stay. How fun?!  UPDATE: sadly Organic acres has closed their doors for hosting in 2024. 

GI: Geographical Indication; a specific wine region in BC which can be indicated on wine labels. BC has nine GIs as well as sub-GIs.  

Terroir: all of the environmental things that can affect the taste of grapes. These are things that make the vineyard or area unique such as the soil, climate, altitude, proximity to mountains or lakes etc. Basically, the unique parts of a vineyard create distinct wines!